Sri Lankan navy arrests 78 asylum seekers

The Sri Lankan navy announced the arrest of 78 asylum seekers, who were attempting to flee the island.

A multiday fishing trawler was intercepted by a navy fast craft of the southern coast, with the navy claiming the asylum seekers were attempting to head to Australia.

Sri Lankan navy Spokesperson Commander Indika Silva stated that of those arrested,59 were Tamils and 17 Sinhalese. The group also included women and children.

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